The Marionette

by Terry Fallis

Bestselling and beloved author Terry Fallis' tenth novel, The Marionette, introduces readers to a new hero, James a world-famous thriller writer whose life takes an unexpected turn from the pages of his novels into the perilous world of espionage.

James Norval has built a successful career crafting the thrilling adventures of his fictional hero, Hunter Chase, a character admired by readers and movie-goers worldwide. But despite his fame and fortune, Norval has always harboured a secret dream of living the life he only writes about—a life as a field operative for CSIS, Canada's Security Intelligence Service. In fact, nearly thirty years earlier, he washed out of the CSIS recruitment program, and it's haunted him ever since.

But that long-held dream becomes a reality when a series of unfortunate events lands Norval in a foreign prison. Rescued by CSIS, he is given an unexpected to use his unique position as the favourite writer of Mali's newly installed president to assist in a delicate and dangerous mission. With the help of agent Lauren Cooper, Norval must infiltrate the Malian government and execute a daring plan to exfiltrate fifteen Canadian nationals before the corrupt powers that control the country uncover their true intentions. 

The Marionette is a comic thriller by a master of the craft. Full of Terry Fallis' signature wit and combined with an exhilarating high-stakes plot, this is a must-read for fans of espionage and intrigue.

Genres: Fiction, Canada, Thriller, Contemporary, Ebooks, Humor, Novels

336 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Terry Fallis is the award-winning author of ten national bestsellers, including his latest, The Marionette, all published by McClelland & Stewart (Penguin Random House). His debut novel, The Best Laid Plans, won the 2008 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and was crowned the 2011 winner of CBC Canada Reads as the "essential Canadian novel of the decade." In January 2014, CBC aired a six-part television miniseries based on The Best Laid Plans earning very positive reviews. In September 2015, it debuted as a stage musical in Vancouver. The High Road was published in September 2010 and was a finalist for the 2011 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Terry's third novel, Up and Down, was released in September 2012. It debuted on the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, was a finalist for the 2013 Leacock Medal, and won the 2013 Ontario Library Association Evergreen Award. In June 2013, the Canadian Booksellers Association presented Terry with the Libris Award for Author of the Year. Terry's fourth novel, No Relation, hit bookstores in May 2014, opened on the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, and won the 2015 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Poles Apart was released in October 2015, immediately hit the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, and was a finalist for the 2016 Leacock Medal. One Brother Shy (2017), Albatross (2019), Operation Angus (2021), A New season (2023), and The Marionette (2025) were all instant bestsellers upon publication.

Terry Fallis earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McMaster University and then spent several years working in federal and Ontario politics. In 1995, he co-founded Thornley Fallis, a full service communications and digital agency with offices in Toronto and Ottawa. He blogs at www.terryfallis.com and his twitter handle is @TerryFallis. Subscribe to his Substack posts here: https://terryfallis.substack.com

Reviews

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. I was very pleased to receive the ARC for 'The Marionette' from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada. The book by Terry Fallis will be published on October 07/2025. The author's books have been award-winning best sellers. Fallis won the Stephen Leacock Medal of Humour in 2008 and again in 2015. His book 'Best Laid Plans' was named the essential Canadian novel of the decade and made into a TV series. He won the CBC Canada Reads in 2013. Most of his earlier books were satires on the Canadian government. He writes about serious subjects with charm and humour, and I found them to be clever, thought-provoking, and entertaining.

This book introduces us to a new protagonist, James Norval. He writes popular espionage thrillers set in various worldwide locations. His hero is the fictional Hunter Chase, a daring field operative. These books are popular worldwide and have been made into blockbuster movies. Norval always attempts to make the locations as realistic as possible, and he visits countries to get the details correct. His thrillers have resulted in his fame and fortune, but he is haunted by his failure to become a CSIS agent.

Norval had a lifelong dream of working for CSIS and leading an adventurous life. He applied for a position as a field operative with CSIS after graduating from university thirty years ago. He felt he obtained great test scores during the recruitment process. He presented himself as witty, confident, an independent thinker, intelligent, and with a memorable outgoing personality. Despite believing he made a favourable impression, he was shattered to learn he was rejected.

James Norval is in Tajikistan researching the country for his next book. He is caught photographing a Russian military base, arrested and facing torture. He is rescued through the efforts of the Canadian government and meets Vivian, who is head of CSIS. A mission is planned for him to be part of a team going to Mali.

There has been a coup. The nationalization of resource industries has increased under the new president. Corruption is rampant, as well as the diminishing of human rights. Norval is the new president's favourite writer, and his cover story is that he will meet with the president, who will be thrilled to discuss Norval's books. Meanwhile, Norval plans to set his next novel in Mali. An experienced CSIS operative, Lauren Cooper, will be in charge and will have the final word on all decisions. Her cover story is that she is accompanying Norval as his secretary. Their mission is highly classified and secretive. Tardif, a Canadian Gold Mining Company, has been taken over by Mali. The fifteen Canadians who had executive positions are being held in a compound without pay and with little food.
They are to free them and get them out of Mali and back to Canada.

Norval tends to be impulsive and suggests some outlandish, dangerous moves, whereas Cooper is adamant in following the directions of CSIS. Before leaving for Mali, they watched a video where President Adama Camara was speaking. He seemed nervous and didn't seem in control. Norval noticed a full set of his books near Camara's desk and saw that the titles were arranged as clues to summon help. They deduced that Camara is not actually in charge, but may be acting under pressure from his advisor, Demba Dembele, a corrupt and greedy man.

Once in Mali, Norval meets with the president under the pretence of researching for his next book. He completely breaks their cover stories, telling Camara that they are in the country to free the Canadians at the gold mine. Camara has confessed to Norval that he has no power, but is merely a puppet of Demba. Demba controls the president by threatening his 10-year-old daughter, Amina. Adama Camara tells Norval that he will help them reach the gold mine, 250 miles north of the capital, but they must also bring Amina out of Mali, along with the Canadians they intend to rescue.. Norval promises to do so, but knows that Cooper will disagree. This was never part of their assigned rescue mission, and Cooper will be very angry. Now Norval decides that he will work to destroy Demba and make Camara the legitimate ruler.

Norval has some sensible ideas on how to rescue the Canadians by incapacitating their drivers and making it an easy rescue into Senegal, where help from CSIS will be waiting. Cooper is beginning to appreciate Norval's new plans. Unfortunately, the rescue becomes much more difficult, leading to action-packed, pulse-pounding danger.

Highly recommended for readers who like stories about espionage, danger, and intrigue, while puzzling over how two very different people can manage to work together.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stellar Canadian author has written his tenth novel and I have almost read them all. Protagonist James Norvel tells us of his harrowing journey to South Africa, all in true espionage form. Check it out!

[Rhonda Huf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I always enjoy Terry Fallis. His first two books with Angus were my favourites, and I also loved the tenderness of A New Season. The last couple of books with spy theme have not connected for me as much, but I still enjoy the quirky main character.

[myreadingescapism · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than expected 👌

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say this was my favorite by Canadian author Terry Fallis but the writer turned covert spy storyline was fun and it had all of his trademark humor. Bonus we get some REALLY great cameos from former main character, grumpy politician Angus McClintock. Highly recommend listening to this since the author narrates the story himself. Many thanks to NetGalley for an early digital copy and @libro.fm for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

[Sadie Newell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terry…oh, Terry.

I read this without knowing anything about Fallis, and now that I’ve looked him up on goodreads i have one thing to say: OF COURSE THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN BY A MAN. He’s so clever, he’s outwitting everyone, he can mansplain for pages! Of course since the writer is writing a book about a writer writing thrillers, we are glued to the edge of the seat.

No. No we are not. Ladies, we will not stand for this. Many many thrillers have come and gone that are MUCH better in so many ways - plot, language, dialogue, pace, tone etc. This one is like reading a man’s journal: inept, boring and absolutely predictable. Pass.

[Golfergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Not as much satire as some of his novels, but still deals with the hidden side of politics. The events are action packed and yet still written with humour. I can’t decide if the whole story is unbelievable or if it is all too believable. It is well written and well paced. And I enjoyed that it was our country and our operatives I was reading about. I look forward to the next Terry Fallis book.

[Christa Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was 4.5 stars for me. The book, I mean, but not the audiobook. The book itself was similar to the other book. I just finished, “ everyone in my family has killed someone”, with a really great narrative structure, lots of interesting characters and a good plot. I have to admit, I had wished there was some kind of twist at the end, which there wasn’t, but it was still a fun ride. The first two parts of the book are nice and quick and interesting and left me looking forward to listening when I could. The last part dragged down a bit, and probably could’ve just been a chapter, but was still enjoyable. The audiobook, on the other hand, read by the author, was stilted and made all his figures seem like cardboard. I don’t recommend the audiobook version of this book.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure I can really be fair with this review. I don’t think I was in the right headspace to enjoy it and that likely skews the review. I love Terry Fallis and will read anything he writes, especially if Angus McClintock makes an appearance! That said, I was more than half way through this book before it really hooked me. The action was slow to build and it didn’t hook me like many of his books. The last third of the book, however, kept me up too late so it redeemed itself.

[Mélyssa]

If you enjoy male characters who consistently override the experienced female character's sensible decisions with their half-baked plans, but still come out as the heroes, you will love this espionage comedy. I don't.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Terry Fallis!

[Linda Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book club read. I loved the humour in the book. Another great tongue in cheek novel. Written as a covert operation, but acted out as an action novel. A light hearted look at espionage.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always Terry Fallis knocks it out of the park with this enjoyable read.

[Kyle Wasko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably a 2.5.

I kind of blow hot and cold on Fallis. Some of his more highly regarded stuff (The Best Laid Plans) fell flat for me and some of his less popular stuff (Albatross) really worked.

In theory, I like the idea of a popular spy writer doing a clandestine mission with CSIS (an extraction in recently couped Mali—does that work in the past tense? Probably not.) That said writer was rejected by CSIS for mysterious reasons 30 years ago is also a decent hook (though be prepared for the author to mention this A LOT…and the explanation, when it’s ultimately provided, is a FUCKING HOWLER). In execution, it’s kind of meh. Aside from something relatively major towards the end (which is resolved fairly implausibly but whatever), everything goes according to plan, with very little tension, which is a bit puzzling. There’s also a thing where a concept is explained…and then re-explained…and then summarized one more time by a third character which…can we have a little more respect for our reader, please?

Weirder still, the main action ends with about 75 pages left in the book, leading to a drawn out coda with minimal payoff. (It’s been a long time since I’ve been this put off by a final line.)

Also commits the major sin of the protagonist thinking HE IS FUCKING HILARIOUS, which never ceases to drive me crazy.

Negative though this review may appear, I didn’t hate it. Heck, I’d probably read another one if this became a series (the book certainly keeps the door open). Just wanted a bit more.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terry's first novel with new character James Norval a famous thriller writer, and his assistant Lauren Cooper. Enjoyed the plot and efforts to rescue the Canadian mining executives. Will Lauren and James continue to work together in future episodes or is there a future for James and Monique Tardif that Terry seems to hint at?
Favourite lines: "Secrecy, discretion, and even anonymity were almost universally observed, I guessed for good reason. It might just save lives." (78)"You invested your vision of the future and all your self-worth in that career."(176) (interesting thought considering my friends and family are now giving up their careers). Important subject throughout the novel that is answered very near the end. "She'd seen great plans blown up through bad execution, bad timing, bad weather, bad luck, perhaps bad karma. But in my blissful innocence, or perhaps ignorance, I continued to feel good about our strategy." (197); "I understand and accept that reality completely and unreservedly" (305)

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining in every way!

Famous thriller author James Norval finds himself in unfamiliar territory when the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) comes calling. Our old friend Angus McLintock introduces Norval to a potentially dangerous mission in Africa to free 15 Canadian mine workers being detained against their will.

A recent bloodless coup in Mali has installed President Camara as head of state and Norval is his favourite novelist. A trained CSIS agent will be posing as his research assistant, though she is against a civilian taking part. Norval has long dreamt of the dashing life lived by his literary creation Hunter Chase, so he agrees.

And so begins a harrowing week in an unfamiliar land. Other than revealing their mission during his first hour at the presidential palace, Norval learns on the fly and he and Coop put their heads together and come up with a plan unlikely to meet with approval by their superiors.

Only Terry Fallis could have written this comedy/thriller with heart. I really hope to read more adventures with James Norval.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Norval had always dreamed of being an undercover operative with Canada's spy agency, CSIS. He even applied after university but was turned down. Instead he becomes a very successful thriller writer, channeling those dreams into his undercover agent character Hunter Chase. He gets his chance to live out his dream when CSIS approaches him to assist with a secret mission. I loved the growth in understanding between Norval and Coop -- the secret agent writer with all his unworkable ideas and the real secret agent who has to make it all work.
I love novels about writers and this one is delicious -- comic, thrilling and endearing. This is my first Terry Fallis, and now I'm eager to read his other books. Thank you, Penguin Random House and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this entertaining book.

[PJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read by Terry Fallis!

Having read previous books by Fallis, I was not disappointed to find the same humour, hitch-in-the-plan, and happy ending that I love and have come to expect from his works.

Though not part of the "Angus & me" series, this book features a cameo from Angus McLintoch. I have not read the series and that doesn't take away from this book.

However, there was something lacking in this one that I can't put my finger on. The rising river was mentioned enough that the suspenseful part wasn't all that suspenseful.

I liked the diversity of characters, the pacing, and the setting.

I knew there was Cozy mysteries, Cozy fantasy, and Cozy horror. I dub this book as a Cozy spy thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the eArc.

[Elaine Cougler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book made me do some thinking as I delved into the writing career of both well known Canadian author Terry Fallis and his hero in this book. In true Fallis fashion Terry develops his writer/character with a nice bit of humour even though there are some pretty un-humorous parts. His hero touches on his failure to become a Canadian Government CSIS operative which has haunted him from his post-college days. He writes spy thrillers but, himself, washed out of the spy program. Why? Well, that's what Hunter Norval would like to know and the question has haunted him for thirty years.
For myself, a lover of historical fiction, this thriller genre is a bit of a stretch but I found the exercise quite thrilling. I read the book in two days! And I suggest you do, too. Well done, Terry Fallis!

[Amy Roebuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terry Fallis is one of my all-time favourite writers--and a delight to invite for author visits!
He wrote his first two books about the eccentric, redoubtable Angus McLintock, wrote more books, returned to Angus' antics in Operation Angus, wrote more books, and now uses Angus in his fictional capacity as a member not only of Parliament, but of Cabinet, to frame the story of a new Fallisian (is that a word?) protagonist--one whom I believe is set up to make numerous appearances in espionage adventures in books to come.
This book stands alone quite well, but don't deny yourself the pleasure of reading all Terry Fallis' books.

[Edwin Gremillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dreams Don’t Die Take. What really grabbed me about The Marionette is the idea that unfinished dreams never really leave you.James Norval failed at becoming a spy decades ago, yet that regret quietly shapes his whole life.Seeing him get a second chance later on feels both unrealistic and completely satisfying.It made me think about the dreams I’ve shelved and whether timing really matters as much as we think.The story proves you don’t need to be fearless to be brave.Terry Fallis mixes humor with tension in a way that keeps things light but meaningful.You laugh, but you also feel for the character.That balance makes this book hard to put down.

[Lucy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marionette by Terry Fallis is a cheeky political thriller that is not to be missed. James Norval is a writer of thrillers and while conducting research for a new novel, is arrested and taken prisoner. As his life spins out of control, he finds himself recruited by CSIS to participate in an off-the-books mission. James then has the opportunity to live out his fantasies by working closely with a trained agent. In classic Fallis fashion, the main character is sarcastic, witty and irreverent by turns. Hugely entertaining, utterly believable and just a little pointed. This is absolutely my favourite Fallis book to date.

[Eileen Mackintosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of this author ever since I read his first book, The Best Laid Plans, which was a winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour in 2008. This was followed by a second win in 2015 for No Relation. There is a genre of books now called Cozy Mystery. I would categorize The Marionette as cozy spy thriller! At one point the storyteller is described as witty, sarcastic, quick, thoughtful, independent, eloquent, confident, opinionated and lastly “memorable” which pretty much describes this novel. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Norval is a successful and popular author, but always regretted failing to win a spot with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, 30 years ago. By a strange twist of events, he can finally try his hand at a secret mission. His job, along with an experienced female CSIS agent, is to spirit 14 trapped Canadians out of Mali, West Africa. Because he is the favourite author of the newly-installed president, Norval and Coop are allowed to enter the country and to hatch a plan. There’s a great plot, much humour, good personal relationships and a lot of suspense.

[Christopher E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the book flips the idea of a writer’s imagination into reality.
James spends his life inventing danger, then suddenly has to survive real consequences.
The contrast between fiction and real espionage is clever and surprisingly funny.
It shows how knowing the theory of something is very different from living it.
The story doesn’t rush,each step feels earned.
The stakes feel real without losing the comedy.
If you enjoy stories where ordinary people are thrown into extraordinary situations, this one delivers.
It’s entertaining and smart without trying too hard.

[Carol McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not my most favorite book by Terry Fallis, but still a very very good read.

For once, I didn’t enjoy the one liners and deliberate spots of humour, Fallis did better in other books. I think this might be the most serious story of his books and I did enjoy the Canadian-ness of the story.

All of the characters were quite likeable (except Dumbo Demba). Coop was wonderful, and Norval a bit OTT but I know that’s how Fallis’s characters are.

A great great read!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful to Penguin Randon House and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this novel. I quite enjoyed it! The characters were all very believable, and the story, which could have been rather heavy and serious, was such an easy read. Definitely adding Terry Fallis to the list of my favorite writers, and certainly will be looking to read more of his novels. I like his writing style very much, and I am proud that he is a fellow Canadian.

[Williams P · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the strongest parts of this book is the relationship between James Norval and Lauren Cooper.
Their dynamic feels natural, not forced or overly dramatic.
Lauren brings competence and realism, while James brings curiosity and heart.
Together, they make the espionage plot believable and engaging.
I appreciated that James isn’t suddenly a perfect spy.
His mistakes actually make the story better.
The humor comes from character, not cheap jokes.
That’s what makes the book memorable.

[Emerald Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just plain fun to read.
The pacing is smooth, and there’s always something happening.
You get humor, action, and clever dialogue without it becoming overwhelming.
James is easy to root for because he feels human, not heroic.
The plot keeps you guessing, but it never feels confusing.
Even serious moments are softened with wit.
It’s the kind of book you’d recommend to almost anyone.
A perfect mix of smart and entertaining.